Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Now it must be told that at the spot where the golden light had appeared, Cao Cao had a bronze sparrow unearthed. He asked Xun You, "What omen is this?" Xun You replied, "In ancient times, Shun's mother dreamed that a jade sparrow entered her breast, and she gave birth to Shun. That we have now obtained a bronze sparrow is likewise an auspicious omen." Cao Cao was overjoyed and ordered a lofty terrace to be built in celebration. That very day they broke ground, felled timber, fired bricks, and ground tiles, and began constructing the Bronze Sparrow Terrace upon the Zhang River. In roughly one year the work was completed. His younger son, Cao Zhi, came forward and said, "If you are to build a tiered terrace, you must erect three towers. The tallest one in the center shall be called the Bronze Sparrow; the one on the left, the Jade Dragon; and the one on the right, the Golden Phoenix. Construct two flying bridges spanning across the sky above them, and it will be a truly magnificent sight." Cao Cao said, "What you say has pleased me greatly. When the terrace is finished, it will be more than enough to bring comfort to my old age." Now Cao Cao had five sons in all, but Cao Zhi alone was clever and quick-witted, skilled at composition, and was the one Cao Cao loved most in his daily life.

Thereupon Cao Cao left Cao Zhi and Cao Pi in Ye Commandery to oversee the construction of the terrace, and sent Zhang Yan to guard the northern camp. Cao Cao led the troops he had taken from Yuan Shao—some five or six hundred thousand in all—and returned with his army to Xu, where he bestowed great rewards on his meritorious officials. He also petitioned the court to posthumously honor Guo Jia as the Marquis of Zhen, and took Guo Jia's son, Guo Yi, into his household to be raised. Then he gathered his advisors and discussed plans to launch a southern campaign against Liu Biao. Xun Yu said, "The army has only just returned from the northern campaign and cannot be mobilized again so soon. Wait half a year to restore our strength and build up our reserves, and then Liu Biao and Sun Quan can be swept away in a single stroke." Cao Cao followed this counsel and divided his troops into agricultural garrisons to await further orders.

Now it must be told that since Liu Bei had arrived in Jing Province, Liu Biao had treated him with great generosity. One day, as they were gathered together drinking wine, a report came that the surrendered generals Zhang Wu and Chen Sun had been plundering the people in Jiangxia and plotting a rebellion. Liu Biao said in alarm, "These two traitors have rebelled again—this will bring no small calamity!" Liu Bei said, "You need not worry, Elder Brother. I request permission to go and put them down." Liu Biao was delighted and immediately assigned thirty thousand troops to accompany Liu Bei. Liu Bei received the order and set out at once, and in a few days he arrived at Jiangxia. Zhang Wu and Chen Sun led their forces to meet him. Liu Bei rode out with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun beneath the banner at the gate. Observing the horse that Zhang Wu rode, Liu Bei saw that it was of extraordinary stature and mettle. "This must be a thousand-li horse," he said.

Before he had finished speaking, Zhao Yun leveled his spear and charged straight into the enemy line. Zhang Wu rode out to meet him, but after no more than three exchanges, Zhao Yun pierced him with a single thrust and sent him tumbling from his horse. Zhao Yun seized the bridle and led the horse back to his own ranks. Seeing this, Chen Sun came rushing forward to recapture it. Zhang Fei let out a great roar, thrust forward with his spear, and killed Chen Sun. The rest of the enemy scattered. Liu Bei pacified the remaining rebels, restored order throughout the counties of Jiangxia, and returned with his army. Liu Biao came out past the suburbs to welcome him back into the city and held a banquet to celebrate the victory. When the wine had flowed freely, Liu Biao said, "With a brother of such martial talent, Jing Province has someone to rely upon. Yet I am concerned that the Yue peoples of the south raid us from time to time, and that Zhang Lu and Sun Quan are both threats to be reckoned with." Liu Bei said, "I have three generals who can be entrusted with these tasks: send Zhang Fei to patrol the borders of the southern Yue; have Guan Yu hold Guzi Town to defend against Zhang Lu; and station Zhao Yun at the Three Rivers to face Sun Quan. What is there to worry about?"

Liu Biao was pleased and wished to follow this advice. But Cai Mao went and told his elder sister, Lady Cai, saying, "Liu Bei has placed his three generals outside the city while he himself remains in Jing Province—this will surely become a danger in time." That night Lady Cai spoke to Liu Biao, saying, "I have heard that many people in Jing Province are associating with Liu Bei; you cannot fail to be wary. Allowing him to remain in the city serves no purpose. You would be better off sending him elsewhere." Liu Biao said, "Liu Bei is a man of benevolence." Lady Cai replied, "I fear that others do not share your heart." Liu Biao fell silent and made no answer.

The next day, Liu Bao went out of the city and saw that the horse Liu Bei rode was of exceptional quality. Upon inquiry, he learned that it had been Zhang Wu's horse, and he praised it endlessly. Liu Bei thereupon presented the horse to Liu Biao. Liu Biao was overjoyed and rode it back into the city. Kuai Yue saw it and asked about it. Liu Biao said, "This was a gift from Liu Bei." Kuai Yue said, "My late elder brother Kuai Liang was the finest judge of horses, and I also know something of the art. This horse has tear ducts beneath its eyes and a white spot on its forehead—it is called the Dima. It brings misfortune to its rider. Zhang Wu died because of this horse. My lord, you must not ride it."

Liu Biao heeded his words. The following day he invited Liu Bei to a banquet and said, "Yesterday you graciously bestowed upon me a fine horse, and I am most grateful for your kindness. But you, worthy brother, are constantly going on campaigns and will have need of it. I respectfully return it to you." Liu Bei rose and thanked him. Liu Biao then said, "You have stayed here a long time, and I fear your military skills may grow rusty. The county of Xinye, a dependency of Xiangyang, has ample funds and provisions. Would you lead your own troops and garrison there?"

Liu Bei assented. The next day he took leave of Liu Biao and led his troops straight to Xinye. Just as he was passing through the city gate, a man bowed deeply before his horse and said, "The horse you are riding must not be ridden." Liu Bei looked at him and recognized him as Yi Ji, a counselor in Liu Biao's court, styled Jibo, a native of Shanyang. Liu Bei quickly dismounted and asked him about it. Yi Ji said, "Yesterday I heard Kuai Yidu tell the Governor of Jing Province, 'This horse is called the Dima—it brings misfortune to its rider.' That is why he returned it to you. Surely you cannot ride it again?" Liu Bei said, "I am deeply grateful for your concern. But the life and death of a man are governed by fate—how could a horse bring him harm?" Yi Ji was profoundly impressed by his lofty perspective, and from that time on he frequently associated with Liu Bei.

When Liu Bei arrived in Xinye, both the soldiers and the people rejoiced, and governance was renewed. In the spring of the twelfth year of the Jian'an era, Lady Gan gave birth to Liu Chan. That night a single white alighted on the roof of the county yamen, cried out more than forty times, and flew off toward the west. At the time of the birth, a strange fragrance filled the chamber. Lady Gan had once dreamed in the night that she swallowed the Northern Dipper, and so the child was given the milk name Adou.

At this time, Cao Cao was leading his troops on a campaign in the north. Liu Bei went to Jing Province and spoke to Liu Biao, saying, "Now that Cao Cao is campaigning in the north, Xuchang is undefended. If you raise the forces of Jing and Xiang and strike while the opportunity presents itself, great things may be accomplished." Liu Biao replied, "I am content to hold Jing Province. How dare I scheme for anything else?" Liu Bei fell silent. Liu Biao then invited him to the inner hall to drink wine. When the wine was half done, Liu Biao suddenly let out a long sigh. Liu Biao said, "Elder Brother, why do you sigh?" Liu Biao said, "I have a matter on my heart that is difficult to speak of plainly." When Liu Bei tried to press the question, Lady Cai emerged and stood behind the screen. Liu Biao lowered his head and said nothing more.

Presently the banquet ended, and Liu Bei returned to Xinye. That winter, upon hearing that Cao Cao had returned from Liucheng, Liu Bei deeply regretted that Liu Biao had not heeded his counsel. Then one day, Liu Biao sent an envoy requesting Liu Bei to come to Jing Province for a meeting. Liu Bei followed the envoy and went. Liu Biao received him, and after the formal courtesies were completed, invited him into the inner hall for a banquet. He said to Liu Bei, "Recently I heard that Cao Cao has led his troops back to Xuchang. His power grows daily, and he surely harbors ambitions to swallow up Jing and Xiang. I regret that I did not listen to you, my worthy brother, and lost such a fine opportunity!" Liu Bei replied, "Now the realm is divided and warfare breaks out daily—can opportunities ever be exhausted? If we can respond in time afterward, there is no cause for regret." Liu Biao said, "What you say is most fitting." They drank together.

When the wine was flowing freely, Liu Biao suddenly began to weep. Liu Bei asked the reason. Liu Biao said, "I have a matter on my heart that I wished to confide in you, my worthy brother, but earlier I had no convenient opportunity." Liu Bei said, "Elder Brother, what difficult decision do you face? If there is any way I can serve you, I would not shrink from death." Liu Biao said, "My first wife, Lady Chen, bore my eldest son, Liu Qi. Though virtuous, he is too gentle and weak to accomplish great things. My second wife, Lady Cai, bore my younger son, Liu Cong, who is quite clever. I wish to set aside the elder and establish the younger, but I fear it would violate propriety and law. Yet if I establish the elder son, I am troubled that the Cai clan all hold military command, and disorder will surely arise later. For this reason I cannot decide." Liu Bei said, "Since ancient times, setting aside the elder to establish the younger has been the path to chaos. If you worry about the power of the Cai clan, you may gradually reduce it—you must not, out of misplaced affection, establish the younger son." Liu Biao was silent. Now Lady Cai had long been suspicious of Liu Bei. Whenever Liu Bei and Liu Biao discussed matters, she would come to eavesdrop. At this moment she was standing behind the screen, and when she heard Liu Bei's words, she harbored deep hatred toward him.

Liu Bei realized he had spoken unwisely and rose to excuse himself to the privy. Catching sight of the flesh that had grown back on his thighs, he too could not help shedding tears. After a short while, he returned to the table. Liu Biao noticed the traces of tears on Liu Bei's face and asked him about it with surprise. Liu Bei sighed deeply and said, "In the past I was never away from my saddle, and the flesh on my thighs wasted away. Now that I have ridden no horse for so long, flesh has grown there again. Days and months slip by, old age approaches, yet I have built no great enterprise—this is why I grieve!" Liu Biao said, "I heard that when you were in Xuchang, you and Cao Cao discussed heroes while heating wine over green plums. You named all the famous men of the age, but Cao Cao dismissed them all and said alone, 'The heroes of the realm are you and I, the Prime Minister.' Given even Cao Cao's power and authority, he did not presume to place himself before you. Why then worry that you will not build a great enterprise?" Liu Bei, riding the excitement of the wine, answered without thinking, "If I had a foothold, the mediocrities of the world would truly not be worth worrying about." Liu Biao heard this and said nothing. Liu Bei, aware that he had misspoken, feigned drunkenness, rose, and retired to his quarters to rest. A later poet composed this verse in praise of Liu Bei:

Cao the Prime Minister counted them all on his fingers—

The hero of the realm, he said, is none but the Imperial Uncle.

Yet the flesh grew back on his thighs and he sighed in sorrow—

How could the world not be divided into three?

Now when Liu Biao heard Liu Bei's words, though he said nothing outwardly, he was displeased in his heart. He parted from Liu Bei and withdrew to the inner apartments. Lady Cai said, "Just now I heard Liu Bei's words from behind the screen. He showed great contempt for others, which clearly reveals his intention to seize Jing Province. If he is not eliminated now, he will surely become a future threat." Liu Biao did not answer—he only shook his head. Lady Cai then secretly summoned Cai Mao and discussed the matter with him. Cai Mao said, "Let me first kill him at his quarters, then inform our lord." Lady Cai approved his plan. Cai Mao left and immediately began mustering troops through the night.

Now Liu Bei was sitting in his quarters by candlelight. After the third watch, he was about to retire when suddenly someone knocked and entered—it was Yi Ji. Yi Ji had learned of Cai Mao's plot to kill Liu Bei and had come through the night to warn him. Yi Ji informed Liu Cai of Cai Mao's scheme and urged Liu Bei to depart at once. Liu Bei said, "I have not yet taken my leave of Jingzhi—how can I simply leave?" Yi Ji said, "If you go to take your leave, you will surely fall victim to Cai Mao."

Liu Bei then thanked Yi Ji and took his leave. He quickly summoned his attendants, and they all mounted their horses. Without waiting for daybreak, they rode by starlight back to Xinye. By the time Cai Mao led his troops to the quarters, Liu Bei had already gone far away. Cai Mao regretted that it was too late. He wrote a poem on the wall, then went straight to see Liu Biao. He said, "Liu Bei harbors rebellious intentions. He inscribed a seditious poem on the wall and departed without taking his leave." Liu Biao did not believe him and personally went to the quarters to look. Indeed, there were four lines of verse. The poem read:

For years I have endured this stagnation,

Facing the old mountains and rivers in vain.

How can a dragon be a creature of the pool?

When thunder rises, it will ascend to the heavens!

When Liu Biao saw the poem, he flew into a rage and drew his sword, saying, "I swear to kill this faithless man!" He had taken several steps when a sudden thought struck him. "I have been close to Xuande for a long time and have never known him to compose poetry. This must be the work of some outsider sowing discord." He then turned back to the quarters, used the tip of his sword to scrape away the poem, threw aside his sword, and mounted his horse. Cai Mao said, "The soldiers are already assembled—we can go to Xinye and seize Liu Bei." Liu Biao said, "We must not act rashly. Allow me to consider the matter further."

Cai Mao saw that Liu Biao hesitated and could not make up his mind. He therefore secretly conferred with Lady Cai. They decided to summon all the officials to a great assembly at Xiangyang on that very day and carry out their plot there. The next day, Cai Mao reported to Liu Biao, saying, "In recent years the harvests have been abundant. It would be fitting to gather all the officials at Xiangyang to show our intent to comfort and encourage them. I beg Your Lordship to attend in person." Liu Biao replied, "I have recently been suffering from an ailment of the breath. I truly cannot go. I may send my two sons to act as hosts in my stead." Cai Mao said, "The young lords are still children; I fear they may fail in matters of ceremony and propriety." Liu Biao said, "Then go to Xinye and ask Xuande to act as host." Cai Mao was secretly overjoyed, for this was precisely what he had hoped for. He at once sent a messenger to invite Liu Xuande to come to Xiangyang.

Now when Xuande had fled back to Xinye, he knew that his careless words had brought disaster upon him, but he had not yet spoken of the matter to his followers. Suddenly an envoy arrived, summoning him to Xiangyang. Sun Qian said, "Yesterday I saw Your Lordship return in haste, and your manner was greatly troubled. I have a feeling that some trouble has arisen in Jingzhou. Now you are suddenly summoned to this gathering. You must not go lightly." Xuande then related everything that had happened to his companions. Lord Yun said, "Brother, you yourself suspect that you misspoken. Lord Liu of Jingzhou has no intention of reproaching you. The words of outsiders should not be lightly believed. Xiangyang is not far from here. If you do not go, Jingzhou will instead grow suspicious." Xuande said, "What Lord Yun says is right." Lord Fei said, "There is no good feast that is set as a trap, no good gathering that is held with ill intent. Better not to go at all." Lord Zhao said, "I will take three hundred horse and foot soldiers with me to accompany you, and I can guarantee Your Lordship's safety." Xuande said, "That would be excellent." And so he and Zhao Yun set out for Xiangyang that very day.

Cai Mao came out beyond the city wall to greet them, and his manner was exceedingly humble and deferential. Afterward the two young lords, Liu Qi and Liu Cong, led a company of civil and military officials out to welcome them. Xuande saw that both young lords were present and harmed no suspicions. That day Xuande was invited to rest temporarily in the guest quarters. Zhao Yun brought three hundred soldiers to surround and protect him. Zhao Yun wore his armor and carried his sword, never leaving Xuande's side whether walking or sitting. Liu Qi said to Xuande, "My father is suffering from an ailment of the breath and cannot move. He has specially asked you, Uncle, to act as host and to comfort and encourage the various governors and officials in attendance." Xuande said, "I did not dare presume to accept such a role. But since my brother has commanded it, I dare not disobey."

The next day, word arrived that the officials of the nine commanderies and forty-two prefectures had all gathered. Cai Mao had previously consulted with Kuai Yue, saying, "Liu Xuande is a hero of his age. If he is allowed to remain here for long, he will surely become a danger in the future. We can do away with him today." Kuai Yue said, "I fear we would lose the goodwill of the scholars and the people." Cai Mao said, "I already have Lord Liu of Jingzhou's secret instructions here." Kuai Yue said, "Since that is the case, we should make preparations in advance." Cai Mao said, "At the East Gate on the Xian Mountain road, I have already stationed my younger brother Cai He with troops to guard the way. Outside the South Gate I have stationed Cai Zhong. Outside the North Gate I have stationed Cai Xun. Only the West Gate need not be guarded, for in front of it the Tan River blocks the way. Even if there were tens of thousands of men, they could not easily cross." Kuai Yue said, "I have observed that Zhao Yun never leaves Xuande's side, whether walking or sitting. I fear it will be difficult to act." Cai Mao said, "I have five hundred soldiers in ambush within the city, ready and waiting." Kuai Yue said, "We may have Wen Pin and Wang Wei set up a separate feast in the outer hall for the military officers. First detain Zhao Yun, and then we can carry out our plan."

Cai Mao followed his advice. That day they slaughtered cattle and horses and laid out a grand feast. Xuande arrived at the prefectural offices riding his Dilu horse, and ordered the horse led into the rear garden and stabled there. The assembled officials all entered the hall. Xuande took the seat of honor, with the two young lords seated on either side, and the rest seated in order of rank. Zhao Yun stood behind Xuande's side with his sword at his waist. Wen Pin and Wang Wei came in and invited Zhao Yun to take a seat at the feast. Zhao Yun declined and would not go. Xuande ordered Zhao Yun to take his seat, and Zhao Yun reluctantly obeyed and went out. Cai Mao had made preparations outside as tight as an iron bucket. He had the three hundred soldiers Xuande had brought all sent back to the guest quarters, waiting only until the feast was half along before giving the signal to act.

When the wine had gone around three times, Yi Ji rose and approached Xuande with a cup in his hand. He looked meaningfully at Xuande and said in a low voice, "Please withdraw for a moment." Xuande understood. He rose and went to relieve himself. After Yi Ji had finished presenting the cup, he hurried into the rear garden, where he met Xuande and whispered in his ear, "Cai Mao has devised a plot to kill you. Outside the city to the east, south, and north, soldiers and horses are stationed to guard every route. Only the West Gate offers a way out. You must flee at once!" Xuande was greatly alarmed. He hastily saddled the Dilu horse, opened the rear garden gate, and led the horse out. He leaped onto its back without waiting for his attendants and rode alone toward the West Gate. The gate officials tried to question him, but Xuande did not answer. He whipped his horse and rode out. The gate officials could not stop him and flew to report to Cai Mao. Cai Mao immediately mounted his horse and led five hundred soldiers in pursuit.

Now when Xuande burst through the West Gate, he rode a great distance until he came to a broad stream blocking his path. The Tan River was several zhang wide, its waters flowing into the Xiang River, and its current was swift and strong. Xuande reached the riverbank and saw that it could not be crossed. He reined his horse and turned back. In the distance to the west, clouds of dust were rising—the pursuers were close at hand. Xuande said, "This time I am surely doomed!" He turned his horse back toward the riverbank. Looking behind him, he saw the pursuing soldiers were already near. In his distress, Xuande drove his horse down into the river. He had gone only a few paces when the horse's forelegs suddenly sank, soaking his robes. Xuande whipped the horse and cried out, "Dilu! Dilu! Today you bring me harm!" The moment he spoke, the horse suddenly surged up out of the water, leaped three zhang in a single bound, and flew to the western bank.

Xuande felt as if he had risen from the clouds and mist. Later, the scholar Su Shi wrote a long ancient-style poem recounting the story of Liu Xuande leaping his horse across the Tan River. The poem read:

When age has faded the flowers and spring's last light grows dim,

A wandering official chanced upon the Tan River road.

He halted his steed and gazed afar, pacing alone,

Before his eyes the red catkins drifted and fell in scattered ruin.

In silence he pondered how the fire virtue of Xianyang had waned,

When dragon strove with tiger and claw met claw in ceaseless strife.

At the Xiangyang assembly the prince's sons drank their wine,

And among the seated guests Xuande's very life hung in the balance.

He fled for life by the western gate alone behind him the pursuing soldiers drew near again.

A river of misty waters swelled the Tan, he urged his galloping steed to leap ahead.

The horse's hooves shattered the blue glass of the water, where the wind of heaven rang and the golden whip was brandished.

By his ears he heard only the thunder of a thousand riders, and amid the waves he suddenly beheld twin dragons soaring.

The true and heroic lord who would one day rule Xuanzhong alone, and the dragon-steed beneath him met at that hour.

The Tan River's waters have flowed eastward since that day—where now is the dragon-steed, where the heroic lord?

Three sighs beside the stream, his heart aching with sorrow, as the setting sun shines silent and still upon the empty mountain.

The tripartite balance of power was all like a dream,

His traces alone remain in the world.

Xuande leaped across to the west side of the stream, and looked back toward the east bank. Cai Mao had already led his men to the edge of the stream, shouting loudly, "Why does Your Excellency leave the banquet in flight?"

Xuande replied, "I bear you no enmity. Why do you seek to harm me?"

Cai Mao said, "I have no such intention. Your Excellency should not listen to the words of others."

Xuande saw Cai Mao's hand moving to draw his bow and take up an arrow, so he hastily urged his horse toward the southwest and fled.

Cai Mao said to his men, "What divine aid is this?"

He was just about to gather his troops and return to the city when he saw Zhao Yun emerge from the western gate with three hundred soldiers in pursuit. Truly:

The dragon-steed that leaped away could save its lord;

The tiger-general who came in pursuit wished to slay his foe.

What became of Cai Mao's fate, you will hear in the next chapter.